Malta debates its future

Should Malta allow dense downtown development, as current zoning allows? Or will such projects, like the Ellsworth Commons development pictured above, destroy the town’s character?

And if dense downtown is prohibited, will that necessarily mean sprawl in other parts of town?

Those are some of the questioned being asked in Malta, where Town Supervisor Paul Sausville has ignited debate by pushing for a new look at downtown zoning rules. The debate comes, of course, as the town prepares for the opening of the massive GlobalFoundries plant, which is expected to bring a wave of new growth.